Business

I have a strong background in political economy and gender analysis, drawing on original research and reaching beyond the usual circles to include marginalised voices to generate relevant and actionable recommendations for clients. I design and set up processes for development programmes to integrate high quality gender and political economy analysis across all areas of work from programme design and management to product.

I combine extensive field experience including in volatile security situations, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (especially in DR Congo) and the Middle East, with rigorous academic research and a proven track record in policy advocacy. I have researched and written numerous papers and publications – some of the public ones are available here – on mediation, peacebuilding, security sector reform, and transitional justice. Women’s rights, and particularly women’s participation in economic and political life, as well as in peace and transitional justice processes, are particular interests.

I am an experienced facilitator, and advise organisations on advocacy, organisational development and strategic planning, often in complex security environments.

I am a part-time Senior Associate for Gender, Peace and Security at the European Peacebuilding Liaison Office (EPLO), and I combine consultancy with academic research. I have a PhD in Political Science from the University of Ghent, Belgium. I am currently a Visiting Scholar at the Transitional Justice Institute, University of Ulster. I taught ‘Transitional Justice and Rule of Law Programming’  to postgraduates at the Brussels School of International Studies  (University of  Kent), where I was a visiting lecturer (2012-2013).

My clients include:

• Oxfam EU
• Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Rule of law programme
• Pax for Peace
• The Department for International Development, UK (DFID) in Kinshasa
• The Department for International Development, UK (DFID) in the Occupied Palestinian Territory 
• PwCS
• Adam Smith International 
• European Peacebuilding Liaison Office 
• HD Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue
• Conciliation Resources
• European Council on Foreign Relations
• Swedish Embassy in Kinshasa
• International Alert
• International Center for Transitional Justice
• giz – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH
• PeaceNexus Foundation
• Life and Peace Institute
• Finn Church Aid / Kirkon Ulkomaanapu
• Mediateur: the European Forum for International Mediation and Dialogue
• Partners for Democratic Change International/Partners for Democratic Change 
• Saferworld

I work in English and French. My full CV is available on LinkedIn. 

In 2014, I established my own consulting firm, Laura Davis Consulting Ltd, registered in Belgium (company and VAT registration number BE 0560665938).